Q: What is a school bond?
A: A bond provides immediate funds for large long-term capital projects such as modernization of buildings, new school construction or acquisition of property. A bond is financed over a long period of time, generally 12 to 20 years, and is comparable to your home mortgage.
Q: Why does our school district need a school bond now?
A: The 2001 bond measure projects are almost completed and the district needs additional funding to continue upgrades and new construction. As part of the district’s long-term facilities master plan, the board approved putting a bond measure on the ballot in a special election on March 10, 2009. This bond would complete modernizations or new construction at the district’s remaining secondary schools and small capital projects districtwide.
Q: What are the projects designated for in the 2009 school bond measure?
A: This bond would complete modernizations or new construction at the district’s remaining secondary schools and small capital projects districtwide.
The bond would fund major construction projects at:
Examples of small capital projects include:
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Foss High School: carpet replacement, Foss Little Theatre and athletic field upgrades
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Lincoln High School: athletic field and performing arts center upgrades
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Stadium High School: athletic field turf replacement
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Wilson High School: athletic field and performing arts upgrades
Other small capital projects that would be completed districtwide include: HVAC upgrades, roof replacements, carpet replacements, energy conservation, playground equipment upgrades, site improvements for parking and traffic flow and upgrades to ensure compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Q: When would work begin on these school bond projects?
A: If approved, projects would begin soon after the election on March 10, 2009.
Q: Did the district seek out public input for the 2009 school bond projects?
A: The 2006 Bond Facilities Advisory Committee (FAC), which helped create the priorities, included community members as well as district staff members. The FAC held public meetings to hear comments from citizens regarding preliminary recommendations. The current issue reflects this input as well as recommendations from district administration. The 2009 issue was reduced in scope to reflect the district's desire to "level" tax rates and provide for an ongoing, consistent program to address the district's facilities' needs.
Q: How much money will the school bond raise?
A: The school bond would raise $300 million for major construction or remodeling projects. The $300 million bond would cover one of four proposed phases of the Tacoma Renewal and Excellence Program (T-REX)—a long-range district facilities improvement plan that would continue through 2020.
Q: What is the estimated tax rate?
A: It is estimated that the total tax rate would increase by $.75 per thousand of assessed property value in 2010, if this bond measure is approved by voters. School taxes are significantly lower than in the past, and the proposed tax rate would be $1.94 less than the total school tax rate in 2004.
Q: How can I understand what that means for me personally as a homeowner?
A: Take the price of the assessed valuation of the property owned and divide by 1,000. Then, multiply that amount by $.75 to determine what additional amount would be due in annual property taxes. For example, it is estimated that the owner of a home valued at $200,000 would pay an additional $12.50 monthly in property taxes.
Q: Are some residents eligible for tax exemption?
A: Some senior citizens and persons with disabilities may be exempt from all or part of this bond. For more information, contact the Senior Citizen and Disabled Persons Exemption Department Hotline at 253.798.2169 or visit the Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer Web site at www.co.pierce.wa.us/pc/abtus/ourorg/aud/default.htm.
Q: What are the election requirements?
A: The bond requires a 60 percent supermajority to pass. Voter turnout must be at least 40 percent of the previous general election, in this case from Nov. 4, 2008, general election.
Q: How do I register to vote?
A: Information on voter registration is available on the Tacoma Public Schools Web site at www.tacomaschools.org. Voter registration forms are available at every district school, as well as the Central Administration Building and government offices. To vote in the next election, you may register in person at your county elections office up to 15 days before an election. You may request a form through the Voter Hotline at 800.448.4881 or the Internet at www.secstate.wa.gov and www.vote.wa.gov. You can mail-in your vote.
To register to vote, you must be:
- a citizen of the United States
- a legal resident of the state of Washington
- at least 18 years old by election day
Your voter registration must be postmarked at least 30 days before the next election. Washington's Motor Voter program offers a convenient registration option allowing you to sign up at the same time you renew or apply for your driver's license.
Q. Where can I find out more about voter registration and local elections?
A: Visit the Pierce County Auditor Web site at www.co.pierce.wa.us/pc/abtus/ourorg/aud/default.htm or call 253.798.7427 to find out more about upcoming elections in the area and additional voting information.
More Information
Q: How can I request a speaker from the school district for my community group or organization to learn more about the proposed school bond?
A: To request a speaker about the 2009 school bond measure, contact the district Public Information Office at 253.571.1015.
Q: How can I learn more?
A: Additional information about the 2009 school bond measure can be found on the district Web site on the March 2009 Bond Information Web page. Read the bond facts providing general information about the proposal. Call the Public Information Office at 253.571.1015 for additional information or go to the district Web site at www.tacomaschools.org.